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Thursday

Feb 7, 2013 at 6:00 AM

“Why Say Yes to No?” is a book discussion that will be held in Sleepy Eye on Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 19 for three sessions.

Pat StevermerCommunity Ed. Director

“Why Say Yes to No?” is a book discussion that will be held in Sleepy Eye on Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 19 for three sessions. The time is 6-7:30 p.m. and the place is the Sleepy Eye High School Media Center. The discussion is based on the book of the same title by psychologist Dr. David Walsh.

Learning how and when to say no is critical for our children’s success in school and life. With an average of 44.5 hours of screen time a week – the most significant lifestyle change for our children over the last decade - kids are exposed to over one million Yes messages a year. This constant barrage of yes messages undermine the crucial character traits children need for success, including self-reliance, perseverance, integrity and the ability to delay gratification. The social and economic ramifications of this shift cannot be ignored. Research shows that self-discipline is twice as strong a predicator of school success as is intelligence. Our kids may be as smart as ever, but a culture of More, Easy, Fast and Fun” is undermining what really counts in the classroom and in helping our children to become thriving, responsible adults.

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A series of workshops for parents and child care providers will start on Monday, Feb. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m., in the Sleepy Eye School Lindahl Room. It is entitled “Tipping the Sales: Promoting Nutrition and Physical Activity.” Learn how to help children develop a healthy lifestyle. CEU’s will be available.